Buyer's Guide to Korkers Soles - 2025

Choosing the Right Wading Boot Sole: A Complete Guide for Every Condition

When it comes to safe and confident footing in the water, your wading boot soles matter just as much as your rod or reel. Whether you're navigating mossy rocks, slick riverbeds, or fishing from a drift boat, the right sole can make all the difference. In this guide, we break down the full lineup of Korkers interchangeable soles - including felt, studded, rubber, and the customizable Triple Threat system - so you can find the perfect match for your next fly fishing adventure.

Felt, Studded Felt, Kling-On and Studded Kling-On Soles

The OmniTrax 3.0 Sole System
Korkers has done an extremely good job of refining their modular wading boots.  All the Korkers boots stocked at Gorge Fly Shop come standard with two sets of soles; either felt and Kling-On or Kling-On and Studded Kling-On.  Beyond these standard stock options, Korkers builds several other soles to suit any wading situation imaginable.  If you find yourself searching for the perfect sole for a particular wading scenario, read on!  

Felt - Compressed felt sole that provides excellent traction on slippery rocks.  Korkers straight felt soles provide for maximum surface area contact with the bottom substrate.  For decades, felt sole has been the industry standard on wading boots.  Though widely used, it is worth noting that a handful of states have outlawed the use of felt due to its potential of transporting invasive species.  Be sure to check your local regulations to avoid any violations.

Studded Felt - Korkers standard felt sole equipped with carbide studs.  Studded felt is the go-to sole for most anglers fishing slick rivers with heavy current (think Deschutes!).  The studs on this sole protrude enough to give you a noticeable amount of extra bit, but not so much that they detract from surface area contact with the rocks.  If you're fishing places with heavy current and flat bedrock, you've likely noticed yourself sliding downstream with plain felt soles.  The studded option takes care of the "slide factor".

Korkers: Kling-On Rubber - Basic sole that comes with most Korkers Boots.  Great for use with any type of watercraft.  Excellent for hiking and light wading duty.  Not recommended for extra slick rivers with fast current.

Studded Kling-On Rubber - The standard Korkers Kling-On rubber sole equipped with carbide studs.  The studs significantly increase traction.  This is a great option in places where felt is outlawed.    

Korkers: Vibram XS Trek & Studded Vibram XS Trek Soles

Vibram XS Trek - Deep and aggressive lug pattern. About as grippy as a straight rubber sole gets.  

Studded Vibram XS Trek - Standard Vibram XS Trek sole equipped with carbide studs for added traction.  One of the best rubber sole options where felt is restricted.  

Korkers Triple Threat Soles 

Korkers: Triple Threat Aluminum Bar, Hex Disk and Carbide Spike Soles

The Triple Threat System - Beyond the more "standard" sole options, Korkers offers the Triple Threat Series.  These products all start with the same base; the Triple Threat Blank Sole.  They are available in the pre-built versions seen above and as a blank sole that can be customized with any combination of their aluminum bars, hex discs or carbide spikes.  All of the metal components are offered as accessories to put together your own sole or replace the parts as they wear down over time.

Triple Threat Aluminum Bar - Solid bars of soft aluminum on this sole become extra grippy when the metal gets scuffed.

Triple Threat Aluminum Hex Disc - The Hex Discs combine the grip of soft aluminum with the traction benefits of all the edges.  Extreme traction!

Triple Threat Carbide Spike - These soles have the most aggressive stud packages on the market.  Perfect for the most difficult wading situations.  Also very popular among jetty anglers.  One important not on these....this is not a boat-friendly sole!  

Triple Threat Customizable Blank - You can build your own adventure with this sole.  Mix and match any of the Triple Threat bars, discs or spikes to match your liking.   

Kling-On Deck Gum Rubber Sole

If you regularly fish out of a boat, you're well-aware of the importance of what's on your feet.  This great offering from Korkers fits any of their footwear with the OmniTrax 3.0 system.  This means all current wading boots, shoes and sandals.  Whether the boat in question is aluminum, glass or rubber, this sole (On-Deck Gum Sole) provides great traction and stability on wet floors.     

Find the Perfect Sole for Every Step

No matter where your fly fishing journey takes you, slippery freestone rivers, muddy banks, or boat decks. Korkers OmniTrax 3.0 interchangeable sole system offers a solution tailored to your needs. From traditional felt to aggressive carbide-studded options and fully customizable traction systems, you can wade with confidence in any condition. Explore all the sole options at Gorge Fly Shop and step into your next adventure fully prepared.

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